Leslie Schoff

Published: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 8:22 a.m. CDT

WALNUT — Leslie Gene Schoff of Walnut passed away Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at Perry Memorial Hospital with his family at his side.

Les was born July 2, 1929, on his family farm to Elmer and June Becknell Schoff. He was the fourth generation Schoff to live and work on this family farm, which is still farmed by and remains in the Schoff name today. During his 83 years, Les lived in only two houses, both on the Schoff farm.

Les married the love of his life, Ann Waterhouse, on Oct. 1, 1950. They are the parents of seven children, Bob (Sandi) Schoff of Walnut, Bettie (Sanders) Hook of Huntley, John (Jane) Schoff of Rolling Meadows, Joellen Lourdeau of Sterling, Va., Billie (Ana) Schoff of Walnut, Ron (Mandy) Schoff of Walnut and Carol (Greg) Swanson of Wheaton. He is survived by his wife, Ann; his sister, Gloria Anderson of Princeton; and one brother, Ray Schoff of Walnut. He also was the grandfather of 15, and the great-grandfather of three.

Les was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren, Adam Lourdeau and Katherine Stoller-Schoff.

Les graduated from Walnut High School in 1947. In addition to farming the original Schoff farm with his brother Ray, he started a trucking company in 1975, also performing some custom farming in his later years.

During his lifetime, he was active in the First Christian Church of Walnut, where he served as deacon, elder and member of the church board. He also attended and served on the board of Princeton Bible Church and the Walnut Community Bible Church. He served as a member and officer of the Walnut High School Board of Education.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Garland Funeral Home, Walnut, with the Rev. Eldon Cook and Ron Eckberg officiating, and his grandson, Matthew Lourdeau, participating. Burial will be in the Walnut Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church of Walnut or Walnut Community Bible Church.